Janine Ibbini / Revealed Quilts/ Pattern Prompt

Ogee arches are seen often in Islamic architecture in the UAE.

What is an Ogee?

From Wikipedia:

“An ogee is the name given to objects, elements, and curves—often seen in architecture 

Ogee windows and arches were introduced to European cities from the Middle East

Ogee is also a mathematical term, meaning an inflection point

Ogee Arch

I’ve long been interested in the Ogee curve and shape, and I knew I wanted to use this shape for the Pattern prompt.

I followed a Geometry lesson on YouTube and using a compass, ruler and set square, I learned how to draft the lines for the shape, followed by calculating how to draw an Ogee to a precise size.

The background is assembled using curved Improv-piecing. The quilted pattern lines are multiples of Ogees 3 across by 4 down. There is a secondary Ogee pattern in the spaces in between.

The quilted patterns are, I realised after sewing, patterns shaped by wind and water, seen in the desert landscape or, below me on the sea-bed, when I’m swimming.

I pondered how many Ogee patterned shapes did I want to include in my piece?

The answer came on a beach walk at dawn. Five Little Stints, running up and down the waters edge, searching for breakfast.

The additional layer of 5 Ogee shapes. Each one is hand printed, hand batik, and hand painted. I then cut away parts so the viewer can look through to the background colours, these patterned shapes are machine stitched to the background.

Dimensions: 40” x 23”

Made with hand space-dyed cotton. Hand printed cotton. Cotton batting and backing.

Early Morning Light detail

11 thoughts on “Early Morning Light: Five little birds at the water’s edge

  1. Beautiful Janine. I love your choice of color and how you have incorporated layers of ogees, while adding even more ogees in the beautiful quilting. The addition of the 5 ogees, hand printed, hand batik, and hand painted are the crowning jewels which is a very Middle Eastern concept.

  2. Janine… I am just so thrilled with the colour, line play and designs you have shared in your original pattern here…I love all of the ogees.

  3. Beautiful work of art. I don’t know much about the technicality of quilting but I love the way you match colors to create a flowing rhythmic pattern giving us a sense of light, depth and movement. Is this for sale?

  4. The way you have riffed the pattern ogees with the quilting ogees is very clever, giving the theme on several levels, but then to relate it to the stints is genius. I can see those little birds moving rapidly, in sync, on the beach.

  5. Well, I learned something new. (I just love that!) And I really like the way your quilting adds more ogees patterns to the piece.

  6. Although I’ve been watching the creation of this piece of art, it’s still stunning to see on screen. Love your creativity and admire your dedication xx

  7. Absolutely stunning Janine. Your use of colour is magical. The Ogees reflect the culture where you live, and which gives such a dynamic and inspirational source for your work. I love the way you have dut through so that they become integral with the background.

Tell us what you think.